Alpine Distillery’s Hand Sanitizer Initiative

This article is part of a series featuring Utah-based companies and what they’re doing during the coronavirus pandemic.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Rob Sergent and his wife Sara, owners of Alpine Distillery, had to look no further than a tried and true resource — Rob’s father. Dr. Robert Sergent, a former infection control officer for the U.S. Navy, is lending his expertise to shift the company’s focus from crafting all-natural spirits to producing much-needed hand sanitizer.

The company started out producing small batches of sanitizer for their bar on Main Street and some close friends. However, that changed when the Summit County first responder team called. Sergent and his volunteers jumped into action to fill the immediate need.

“Alpine made a commitment to the fire, police, sheriff, EMT and other first responders that their hand sanitizer needs were covered,” said Rob Sergent, managing director of Alpine Distilling. “Sourcing packaging was challenging, so we agreed to fill a 5-gallon carboy container as often as they needed it at no charge.”

The business attempted to provide it for free to neighbors but quickly realized that both supply constraints and violation of the social contact policy would make this offer difficult. However, Alpine Distilling posted videos on how to make your own sanitizer that included how to concentrate alcohol from readily available vodka in state liquor stores.

“I heard Governor Hebert and Senator Romney discussing the Utah “Pioneer Spirit.” I am proud of many in my cohort who, like us, embody Utah’s pioneer spirit with spirit and rushed to fill this need from a place of community responsibility.”

Alpine intends to continue small-batch production through the end of April and will review its options at that point. When the coronavirus pandemic is over, and paycheck protection program funds are available, they intend to rehire bar staff and refocus on what they do best, making adult drinks that “Elevate Your Spirit.”